Professional Spotlight – Melanie Hogg

Thursday, June 13th, 2019

Attorney Melanie Hogg

1. Tell us about your education history, how long you’ve been practicing, and major focus areas of your practice.

I obtained my undergraduate and law degree at the University of Tennessee. I began my practice in Georgia in 1989. I have also practiced in North Carolina, Vermont, New Hampshire and now Tennessee. My focus has always been on domestic law. I was a certified family law specialist in North Carolina during the time I practiced there.

2. How did you become interested in Collaborative Law and why did you decide to become a certified Collaborative professional and incorporate this approach into your practice?

When I was practicing in New Hampshire, I discovered Collaborative Law as a different way to approach family law cases. I investigated becoming certified in Collaborative Law but I relocated and was not able to attend the training. When I became active in Tennessee, I discovered that the East Tennessee Collaborative Alliance was getting established and I was able to attend one of the training events to become certified. For family law, Collaborative Law is a method that minimizes the adversarial approach and focuses on achieving a mutually acceptable durable agreement. For families going through a divorce, the collaborative method is another tool that I like to offer to my clients.

3. When clients meet with you, what should they expect? Tell me about your office setting, any procedures they need to be aware of, and what your general style and approach is to working with clients.

I work in Fort Sanders and Held Law Firm occupies two buildings next door to each other. We have several options for meetings with clients: a sitting room with sofas and a fireplace; a dining room with a large table to share documents and a conference room. My initial meeting with new clients is to provide an opportunity to listen and inform. I try to listen to the client and determine how I can help and I also try to inform the client about the process in Tennessee and what to expect. We provide a team approach and I typically introduce to other members of the team to the client and explain the roles we play in addressing their legal needs.

4. Tell me a little bit about your personal background – where you’re from, any information about your family you’d like to share, and general hobbies and interests you have.

I am originally from Tennessee but I have lived in GA, NC, VT and NH and I loved coming home to Tennessee. I am big movie fan and I try to see all the Oscar nominated movies prior to Oscar Sunday. I am also a dog lover and my 185 pound English Mastiff Arthur is an important member of my family.